I recently came across this poem by William Henry Davies titled ‘Leisure’, it goes;
“What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.No time to turn at Beauty’s glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.A poor life this is if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.”
This got me thinking, about the era we live in, where we are so embedded in a routine. Our days start in a rush and end with us just crashing on our beds, defeated by life and the hurdles thrown our way. Are we experiencing every moment to the fullest? Do we understand the great creation that is the world in all its grandiose?
What is the purpose of life if we do not get a chance to enjoy the little moments that come together to form the grand mosaic of life?
Instead of living like this, unaware and confused, let us wake up every morning and pause to listen to the calming tune that the wind creates for us, or join in the serenade that the birds lilt.
Marvel at the patterns the clouds make, stop; take a picture, Instagram it (#cloudporn, am I right?).
Stare at the sky and the different hues of blue it transforms into from sunrise to sunset.
Look up and get lost in the expanse of amethyst adorned by the diamonds secured to it. Contemplate how microscopic our problems are, when we gaze directly into infinity.
Allow yourself to be fascinated by that tree, whose boughs open onto the road to embrace everyone in its way, or that one which looks like a giant stick of cotton candy, whose purpose is to be admired.
Listen to the tale the dilapidated building around the curb has to tell, or what the woman on the road stitching together jasmine flowers all day to adorn another woman’s hair, has to narrate.
Patiently inhale the smell that the rain elicits when it leaves its humble abode and rushes to meet the earth.
It is not about having time to do these things. Make time. Give yourself the pleasure of wandering every day and losing yourself in this great expanse. Discover a new facet of life and the things it has to offer. Introspect. Enjoy each day to the fullest, make an active effort towards feeling happy and at peace with yourself. Love life, allow it to inspire you.
Photography – Trishima Reddy & Christina Martin
Written by Kshaema Susan Mathew.
1 Comment
Super Like. Philosophy of my life!